Following his World Cup exploits during the summer, Silva was one of the last to start pre-season training and then an international break meant that his club preparations were again interrupted.
He feels he is only now edging towards peak fitness after playing catch up for the last month or so and is looking forward to finally earning himself a run in the team and repaying the faith the Blues have invested in his undoubted talents.
“I think that physically, I’m feeling better day by day,” he said. “Of course, I need to get a few more minutes on the pitch to get to optimum fitness levels and I’m sure that will happen with so many games coming up.
“I’ve been away a couple of times with national team and that hasn’t helped.
When I first arrived at City, I hadn’t played for a while and my body felt tired, but I’m feeling good in myself now and with time on the pitch, I think all the pieces will come together
...David Silva
“I’ve settled well in Manchester, but again, the international break probably came at a bad time for me. I love the club and fans already and I’m starting to learn English so I can communicate better with my team-mates, so as time goes on, things will get easier for me.
“I’ve been treated really well by everyone and the other players have been great, but I need to push on now. The Premier League is exactly the way I thought it would be with a high-tempo to the games. It’s very competitive and a challenge, but one I’m enjoying and ultimately hope to thrive in.”
Silva looked sharp and bright during his cameo against Blackburn last weekend and is hoping to play some part in the Blues’ Europa League clash with FC Salzburg on Thursday as he continues to press for a regular starting place.
“I think I’m getting up to speed now,” he continued. “It’s not just about playing games, it’s about getting more training sessions under your belt – something I’ve been able to do more of late – I’m getting there, just more slowly than I would have liked!
“We have a great squad and it takes time for all the new players to adapt and gel together. We may have lost and drawn the last couple of league games, but we’ll soon start climbing the table and I think we’ll have a very good season.”
